TEACHER, ELEMENTARY SPECIAL EDUCATION MODERATE NEEDS, KINDERGARTEN-5TH GRADE

Special Education (SPED) Teachers work with students who have learning, mental, emotional, or physical disabilities. They adapt general education lessons and teach various subjects to students with mild to moderate disabilities. They also teach basic skills to students with severe disabilities.

About the role

Denver Public Schools offers a culture that values Equity, Accountability, Integrity, Collaboration, and Fun with a shared vision that Every Learner Thrives. Competitive compensation includes the DCTA Teacher and SSP Salary Schedule and Procomp Incentive plan. Total Rewards also include time off, health and wellness benefits, and PERA Retirement.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes individualized lesson plans in all subject areas, providing direct instruction while maintaining a focus on District standards and benchmarks.
• Administers and interprets both formal and informal individualized educational assessments.
• Monitors, supervises, coordinates, and enforces rule of conduct and behavior of assigned students; reinforces positive student behaviors in accordance with school and District policy.
• Prepares lesson plans and materials according to curriculum guidelines, adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests; establishes and communicates clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects; instructs students individually and in groups using various teaching methods.
• Provides daily living support (e.g., toileting, diapering, feeding, personal hygiene) following universal precautions and as trained; operates, monitors, and performs maintenance of adaptive technology and equipment; lifts and transports students using appropriate equipment and lifting techniques.
• May participate in extra-duty activities as outlined in the teachers' collective bargaining agreement (e.g., coaching, tutoring, or summer programs).
• Leads for racial and educational excellence and works to dismantle systems of oppression and inequity in the community, supporting all students so they feel seen and heard with access to high-quality education.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field required (Master's Degree only required for Concurrent Enrollment positions).
• Valid Colorado Department of Education (CDE) teaching license (DPS accepts a CDE Application Receipt for 90 days).
• Permanent home address in Colorado.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position with or without accommodations.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young special needs students and their parents preferred.
• Experience working with young special needs children who represent the diversity of the District school community is preferred.

About Us

Denver Public Schools is committed to meeting the educational needs of every student with great schools in every neighborhood. The district serves nearly 200 schools, including traditional, magnet, charter, and alternative pathways, with an enrollment of more than 90,000 students. DPS is the fastest-growing large school district in Colorado in terms of student academic growth.